Different kinds of Puja

Durgapuja, over the years, has outgrown its religious connotations
to a large extent as people all over the India celebrate it with a gusto.
There are various ways in which Ma Durga is worshiped. The rituals and
customs vary due to vast difference in the culture of Indian States. But,
all these follow the century old tradition and practice that intermingle
with historical ethos.

Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, Durga Puja is a fun occasion. Puja is performed each day
and devotees don't remove the flower garland that is put each day on the
idol or image of the deity. After nine days all nine are removed together.
Young girls who have not attained maturity are invited to eat, play games,
dance and sing. An elephant is drawn with rangoli and the girls play
guessing games. Then they are fed a meal of their choice.

West Bengal
In West Bengal, Durga Puja is five days of festivity. It hinges around
Mahalaya day, a week before the actual celebrations begin. It was on this
day that Durga was assigned the task of eliminating evil. So the familiar
pose of Durga unleashing her wrath on an out powered assura (demon). Legend
goes that Ram wanted to invoke the blessings of Durga before his great war
with Ravan. He performed the
Durga Puja despite the time of year not being right. That is why the puja is
also known as Akal Bodhon, or untimely invocation.

Punjab
People of Punjab strictly observes Navratri. Some Punjabus have only milk
for seven days before breaking the fast on ashtami or navami. They worship
Durga Ma and do the aarti at home. Some of them have fruit or a complete
meal once a day and intoxicating drinks or meat and other form of
entertainment is completely avoided. At the end of the fast devotees feed
beggars or worship little girls who spell the Shakti of the Mother Goddess.

Gujarat
Navratri is devoted to Amba mataji. In some homes, images of mataji are
worshiped in accordance with accepted practice. This is also true of the
temples, which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to
night. The most common form of public celebration is the performance of
garba or dandia-ras, Gujarat's popular folk-dance, late throughout the
nights of these nine days in public squares, open grounds and streets.

Kerala
In Kerala, Durga Puja signifies the beginning of formal education for every
child aged 3-5 years. While puja goes on in the temple for all ten days, it
is only the concluding three days which are really important. Ashtami is the
day of Ayudya Puja, when all the tools at home are worshiped. Custom
dictates that no tools be used on this day. On navami, day, Goddess
Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books and records at home.

Thousands throng the Saraswati temple
at Kottayam during this period to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond
whose source is yet unknown. Large gatherings are also seen at the famous
temples at Thekkegram (Palghat), in which there are no idols -- only huge
mirrors. A devotee finds himself bowing before his own reflection which
indicates that God is within us.

Kashmir
Hindus are a minority in Jammu and Kashmir but they celebrate their
festivals with pomp and show. These days, festivities are subdued, though.
The favorite deities of Kashmir are Lord Shiva and Serawali Ma Durga, the
one who rides the tiger. Pundits and Muslims alike vouch that Navratri is
important. No big pandals here, each Hindi house-hold does the pooja at
home. All the adult members of the household fast on water. In the evenings,
fruit may be taken. As elsewhere, Kashmiris grow barley in earthen pots.
They believe that if the growth in this pot is good, there is prosperity all
year.

The most important ritual for Kashmiri Pandits is to visit the temple of
guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days. On the last day of
Navratri, an aarti is held at the temple after which people break their
fast. On Dussehra day,
Ravana's effigy is burnt. Devotees also visit the Hari Parbat temple.